Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: A laparoscopic surgery can be beneficial in a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. Aims: This report shows a 60-year-old woman who presented with persistent upper abdominal and bilateral lumbodorsal distending pain for one year. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a 4cm×5cm×5cm solid space-occupying mass in the distal pancreas. The patient was referred to minimally invasive surgery service for resection of the pancreatic lesion. METHODS: A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed. RESULTS: The mass was completely excised, the pathological examination revealed grade II pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The postoperative advantages of this approach were the early return of bowel function, minimal complications, and early resumption of normal activities. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that minimally invasive surgery in the performance of a spleen-and-splenic-vessel preserving distal pancreatectomy is a feasible procedure without compromising the splenic function. (Wang WJ, Li JG, Li ZT, Fang Q, Zheng YG. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and splenic vessels for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.